Crowds gathered along the River Nene in Wisbech on Sunday to cheer their rubber duck to victory in the town's annual duck race.

Around 1,600 ducks were released into the river at 5pm by Wisbech Lions Club members who organised the event to raise money for schools and youth groups in the area.

More than 300 people flocked to watch the race in the hope of winning the �200 prize for the first duck home.

Kevin Rodgers, a Lions club member, said: 'It's such an exciting event because it's a bit different and the sight is quite spectacular and unusual.

'We actually had to stop selling ducks on the day because so many people had stopped to find out what was going on.

'It's a pure lottery as to who the winner is and even though it's a bit of a laugh it helps the community, which is great.'

Jamie Blades, from Wisbech St Mary, plans to share his �200 prize money with his sister after his duck was the first to cross the line.

Neil Jacotine picked up the �50 runner-up prize.

Several local schools and youth groups sold rubber ducks for �1 on the Lions club's behalf and kept 50 per cent of their sales.

Any additional money raised by Lions' members will go back into youth groups across the area.